College flicks have definitely been part of pop culture. These movies usually depict stereotypical cliques that rule the college campus set against crazy frat parties, wild nights, and exciting romance. But are these portrayals realistic?
How college life is portrayed in the movies
Future college students who have watched Hollywood college movies will surely, to some extent, form a conclusion about the nature of college life. Through the influence of media, young people, particularly those in college, are being portrayed as irresponsible and selfish students who devote their time to endless partying, drinking, engaging in pre-marital sex, and the like. There are students who ridicule their diligent classmates and brand them as “geeks” and “nerds” who do not belong to their group. Movies tend to focus on the negative habits and characters of the students. This kind of image among college students as showed by the media seems to cause an alarm for parents and prospective college students.
The real college life
It seems unfair that college students are being stereotyped in such a downbeat manner. Because in reality, majority of the young people in college are hardworking, and diligent in preparing for their midterms and finals and working on their class requirements. Most college students value their education a lot. Partying is part of college life but studies still remain to be the top priority of many. After all, going through the challenging college admissions process which includes writing an “essay on myself” will seem like a waste of time if partying and drinking all night is the real goal of many applicants. As a matter fact, many applicants spend months just to come up with a winning myself essay so as to land a spot in their dream school.
According to Dr. Myron Lounsbury, director of American Studies at the University of Maryland, ”There is no such thing as a movie that will give you a 100 percent portrayal of college life.”(1) It’s really unjust to label all college students with such indifference and apathy, which in reality only reflects a small portion of the actual students’ population.(2)
Making the best of your college life
Going to college doesn’t mean you have to hit the books every night and avoid having a social life. As a matter of fact, having a tight-knit social circle can help you get through difficult times.(3)
The secret in getting the best out of your college life is having a sense of balance. Balance between academics and social life. Nobody wants to spend four years or more of his or her life reading books alone; everybody deserves a break. Go out and meet people. Do not confine yourself between the walls of your room or the library. Learn to prioritize. Just always bear in mind the main purpose of your stay in college, which is to get a degree and expand your horizons.
(1) http://media.www.clarksonintegrator.com/media/storage/paper280/news/2002/03/04/Opinion/Students.Say.Hollywood.Fails.To.Portray.College.Realistically-204729.shtml
(2) http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,928628,00.html
(3) http://www.businessweek.com/bschools/content/feb2007/bs20070213_189035.htm
